New Booth Design

This year we have taken a step back from shows, free up some time to redesign our booth.  It has been a challenge so far, eliminating the tables with skirts and the accordion style shelving.  We wanted to get away from the tables, as they were too long for most vehicles, besides they were beginning to warp and have dips.  The skirts were getting stretched out and needed new elastic.  I cannot complain, I spent less than $60 for the two tables, and I still have the saw horses to use for other things.

The accordion style shelving is very functional, easy to set up, and has stood up to very strong winds without being tied or weighted down.  I have turned down several offers to purchase it, but still keep it around.  You never know when it will come in handy.  It just was not the look I wanted.  I know it sounds rather snobbish, but it didn’t fit in with the look we wanted.  It’s my booth, and I’ll make it how I want it.

The 1^st booth set up was out of necessity, very little to no funds and was built as inexpensively as possible.  Now we have a little more money and experience to see what would work for us.  Here are some of our criteria:

1.      Collapsible/ easy to set up and tear town

2.      Light enough to carry, heavy enough to withstand wind gusts

3.      Unique, something that is as unique as our pottery

4.      Storage, still needed to store items in the booth

5.      Must fit in the Expedition and leave room for pottery

6.      Must be affordable, sorry $1200 for basic Pro Panels is out of our range.

I started brainstorming a little over a year ago, and really started to look at other people booth set ups, and searching the internet for ideas.  By last fall I knew I wanted to do something with natural edge wood.  I purchased a 16” locust log and had it milled into planks.  I have since made a set of 70” shelves using 4 of the planks with all their imperfections left to shine and scream uniqueness.  The brackets for this set is down with square tube steel and it is all bolted together, takes about 5-10 mins to set up/take down.

 Now working on some pedestals, this spring’s ice storm was a great source for cross sections of trees.  These will soon be our pedestals.  It was one of the positives from the ice storm in April.  For those of you who know wood, I did kiln dry the cross sections so I could work with them.  That’s an added bonus for having those kilns in the garage.

 We also selected a curtain material to divide a section of the boot to hide the boxes and misc supplies, designed the support system for it and almost ready to test it out on a mock set up.

Lastly still on the hunt for the other shelving set, I have the designs I want.  I just need to figure out how to do it.  Besides I still have firings to do and pots to make for our shows this season.  I will post pictures after the 1st show, until then there are and will be more sneak peaks on our facebook page.

 

Gallery Demo

Well, the past few weeks have been scheduled almost to the minute.  With running the kids from activity to activity, getting the new booth shelves finished, attending a workshop, and now preparing for a gallery show starting in a few hours.

The ice storm a few weeks ago stopped us in our tracks waiting a week for electricity, but we have met all deadlines so far. Whew!  Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, our bisque shelves are empty.  I guess the next two days doing demos at the gallery will have to go to replenish the stock.

Also with all the rain, the fire danger may be down enough to allow us to do a pit fire.  We did not do any last year and the selection of pit pots is very limited.  I hope I can get enough thrown before it gets too dry.

Its been several, several weeks since I've spun a pot.  I hope I don't make a fool of myself throwing in front of an audience.  I will have my trash can close just in case.

2012 update

Well the 2012 festival season has ended this past weekend.  We have now put the booth away, and put all the remaining inventory back on the shelves for now.  It has been a challenging year, most shows level, few were down, few were up.  Gallery sales have increased which is good.  Since we introduced Obvara in our last 3 shows, it has comprised of 70% of our sales.

Fall is the time we submit to a few exhibitions, We currently have two active now the 5th biennial South Dakota Governor's Show that opens in it second venue, SD State Art Museum, later this month on its 18 month tour.  Also the 1st Juried Exhibition at the Washington Pavilion is going on now, where we have 1 of 60 pieces selected for the show.

Tonight I'm finishing our annual Paint the Night Pink submission, it's a great night, 10/19/2012, of fun, food,drink and art.  If you are in the area I strongly urge you to purchase a ticket and attend.  Also working on another one, but we have never been accepted, maybe this is the year, submitting two Obvara pieces.

Fall is also the time of year we look for additional galleries, I think we are looking at trying to add one or two  this year.  We are also in negotiations with an interior design firm to market our work to their clients, may have that finished by the end of the month.

With the extreme dry conditions in South Dakota, our fall pit fire is cancelled, so the pits on hand is all we will have until next year unless it is dry again.

2012 Show Season

With less than a month remaining until the first festival of the season, I was reminded that our shelving unit needed repairs :(  the massive downpour we endured one weekend last year ended up warping the shelves into nice arcs.  Unfortunately, curved boards don't do well to show our booth visitors that our pieces don't wobble.

I guess I procrastinating, since I purchased the new shelving material, and just not working on it yet, but today needs to be the day, at least to start on them.  We debated on building a whole new unit, one larger and much, much lighter, but I'm only going to do the shelves to start with.  With that said, I better get going.

1st show is May 19th in Orange City, IA at the Tulip Festival.  Hope to see you there!

throwing

My Mother-in-Law was so kind to point out this week that my shelves were looking rather empty...So a throwing I will go. Bisqued a kiln load last week, and have one starting this morning and enough pots to light it again in a couple days. It's not that I haven't been working, just not as much as I normally have by this time of year.

I hope to do a foil saggar firing in the next couple weeks, but the W2 is keeping me busy working extra hours. Hours that come out of my throwing time. I guess I need the feel the crunch more than I do right now. I do have enough finish work for the 1st few show, lots of great Pits, just no foil or paper saggars. I have about 8 platters ready to go, which don't see to stick around long at shows or galleries, but I want to do more once my drying containers are emptied.

I figure I've throw just shy of 350 pounds of clay in the past couple weeks, for some of you that not much, but it been all I've managed to get done in the half to one day I've been averaging.

I am working on a couple test piece of a new design inspired by Michael Eden, 3 test pots are under plastic drying now, these are much more labor intensive than our standard pots, lets hope they turn out.

So Far this year we will be back at Sidewalk Arts in Sioux Falls, Artburst in Orange City, and Art on the Lake in Excelsior. Also have a piece touring South Dakota for 16 months beginning in May.

Until next time...

Winterfest

As promised a little more about Winterfest, our 1st indoor show. It is an annual event in downtown Aberdeen, SD. The lights are dimmed and all exhibitors are required to light their booths. We decided to try this indoor show mainly because of 2 reasons, one it is in a market we have not been in, and two it is during a time when we typically have no shows. Also it seemed less like a flea market, which is one in town that keeps trying to get me to pay the $400 booth fee to join every year.

So the Arts Association behind Winterfest recommended to use a canopy to help reflect light in the booth area, so instead of using our 150-200 pound Craft Hut, we found an inexpensive "easy up" style canopy on clearance for $60, it weighs about 60 pounds and takes considerably less room in the SUV. That was purchase number one.

Also since it is in November in Northern SD, camping or sleeping in the SUV is out of the question, so hotel for two nights. It will be a nice getaway for the weekend.

Then came the task of lighting the booth, we had considered using christmas tree lights, but were concerned about the amount of light actually produced. So I put the question out on various pottery forums I participate in, and it was nearly unamious not to use the christmas lights. The big recommendation was to invest in a track lighting system. I did look at and began to design, but since we are wanting to redesign the entire booth in the next couple years, I went with option "C". Clip on lights. I selected narrow brooding lights and utilizing 50 watt halogen flood and spot lights.

We tested the lighting set up last week on a moonless night, it was very bright and the colors seemed true under the lights. I will definetly take photos of the booth once it is set up and illuminated for future use. Now we are trying to figure out if we want to invest in a portable pattery system to light the booth during the summer shows. We will have to see on that one.

So if you are near Aberdeen the weekend before Thanksgiving, stop by and see us. We leave the light on for you! hahaha

Sidewalk Arts

Could not have asked for a more beautiful day for the Sidewalk Arts Festival in our "hometown" of Sioux Falls.  Sales were roughly double last year, had two different sales of mulitple (3) pieces each.  WoW, I believe it was the addition of accepting credit cards.  Thank you Sioux Falls.

The frames tiles did not get touched much, one got petted a couple times, but that was it.  Not nearly the reception they recieved in Luverne two weeks ago. alas back to the crate.

As the weather gets cooler, kids are back in school, getting back to regular sleep schedule, I now find myself with time to play on the wheel again.  Will have roughly 1-2 days per week , plus some odd times here and there.  This week spun 50#, I realize it not much, but that is more then I threw in the month of June, July, and August combined.

Next on the horizon for us is the annual Paint the Night Pink event, which is a benefit for Breast Cancer research, I need to let them know next week what pieces we will have there, we give 50% of the retail price to the cause.  The same day we have the kids raku workshop at our youngests school, which I just spun all the pencil cups they will be firing.

Have no updates on the two winter/indoor shows, but still working on having our holiday open house.  currently scheduled for Dec 10th, but that may change.

popularity of old work

It was very odd last weekend at ArtRocks and I have been thinking about it all week.  The pieces that created the most buzz and got "petted" the most were from a couple years ago.  They were foil saggar'd tiles in wide wood frames I had made from scrap wood.  Even a couple of fellow artisans who see at many festivals over the summer commented on them.  I had these in a box for the last year or more, never even crossed my mind to grab them, but I did for ArtRocks to save space.

I will bring them again next weekend(Sept 10) to Sidewalk Arts, but it was just odd how pieces from a few years back, and didn't go over very well then, made and impact now.  Here is a photo of a group of them.

I remember reading a post on Ceramic Arts Daily from Chris Campbell regarding the sensation of people asking for her old work.  I guess I know what she meant, not that I totally understand it.

Also its that time of year to look at expanding our gallery representation, which is something i've neglected over the past year or so.  We would like to keep within a 4-6 hr radius from Sioux Falls, but may consider elsewhere.  So if you know a gallery looking, or would like to see our work locally where you live, help me make a connection.

ArtRocks

Another year is done, and finished. Wanted to thank all the people behind the festival. The Artist reception was great, I noticed much more advertising this year. Crowds were light, so artists were never overwhelmed in their booths, but there were serious buyers in the crowd.

This year I personally scored a couple great pieces of artwork to adorn my studio walls. (at least when I have walls) One print from Jennifer White, and a couple small canvases from Chris Francis. Speaking of Chris if you are in Sioux Falls this weekend, he has an opening at Eastbank on Friday, His work is fabulous.

As for the update regarding credit cards, less then 20% of the sales from the weekend were on plastic. Doesn't help the Pro credit side.

Two weeks to Sidewalk Arts, and I'm already preparing.

Updates

ARTROCKS in Luverne, MN is a few days away. Not nearly are ready as I'd like to be. Don't worry it will all work out. I realized last week we had thrown away all our shredded paper we pack the piece in for shows since it was sopping wet. My 3 junior assistants did not have time to shred with all the final getting ready for school stuff. Still have not replaced my literature holders, that will be done tonight hopefully during my sons football practice.

Also we are upgrading vehicles, hoping to find one that can haul kids plus hockey bags, or kids plus show booth, is all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, is not a tin can, and a few other bells and whistle may good. Our 1994 transport, has served its purpose, but it needs to be moved out our mechanic's assisted living program. Once the replacement vehicle is here I will be able to better judge what i need to pack for the show.

Anyway, ARTROCKS is this Saturday, it is a Awesome little show, its our 4th year here. I heard this year is heavy on the pottery, which I enjoy, wondering around and seeing what else is out there. I will be bringing a piece that is near and dear to my heart. I have used the piece for many photos and festival entry forms, but now it time to move it on out. This will be the 1st show it will be out at. Come check it out.

Holiday Show

It is August, our typical show seasons wraps up in 6 weeks. We have not found a winter/holiday show falls in line with our goals. there is one that is relentlessly badgering us to pay the $300-$400 to partake in theirs. I gone as a customer, I would never make the money back. We are looking at one in a new market, but waiting for a little more, we may do it just to have a show to do.

Which has led us to do our own holiday open house/ open studio. For those of you on FB you are getting this twice since this will post to the FB account as well, but for those in webland, if you'd be so kind to offer your input as to the hours we should be open.

The poll has been up for a couple hours and have gotten great feedback, much different then we expected. And a few great messages/IM/ comments/ emails on the subject.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Bemidji Art in the Park

I know I'm a little late, considering the festival was last weekend, what can I say it has been a crazy week. between the W2 job and kids activities pottery has been on the back burner. I did get an order shipped, does that count?

Anyway, I am now a believer that credit cards help increase sales. We increased sales in Bemidji by 125%, of that 88% was on plastic. We even had people buy multiple pieces! The weather did not cooperate otherwise i believe we would have had even more growth in the sales category.

The weather, what can you do. On Saturday the police ordered the park evacuated due to a thunderstorm, by the time we had battened down the hatches so to speak they gave the all clear saying the storm had broken up. Well it was late enough in the afternoon that people who had left didn't return, but there still some people who ventured out, but the crowds were much lighter.

On Sunday the storm did hit with 90 mins left, at which point the vendors including us, decided to pack up. No last minute sales this time.

Alas, credit cards are good for sales, i know most of you are saying DUH! but I'm set in my ways. We are now exploring the possibility of online sales via paypal. I'll keep you updated

Arts on the Shore

This Weekend Up in Smoke Pottery is at Arts on the Shore in Worthington, MN. The art portion of the weekend runs from 11 am - 8 pm on Saturday 6/12. Hope to see you there!

Updated summer schedule

Updated schedules so far....

April 11-May 9 Nobles County Area Art Show, Worthington, MN
June 11 & 12 Arts on the Shore, Worthington, MN
July 9 - 11 Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Brookings, SD

July 17-18, Art in the Park, Bemidji, MN
August 28 Art Rocks, Luverne, MN

Opening

Anyone in the area of Worthington, MN is welcome stop by and visit the open house at the Noble County Arts, in the basement of the library. It runs from 1-4 pm, and is showcasing its annual spring show. I know when I dropped off our pieces this week I saw several nice pieces of art I am looking forward to checking out closer when they are displayed. Hope to see you there.

Summer Schedule

Here is the start of the summer schedule...

April 11-May 9 Nobles County Area Art Show, Worthington, MN
June 11 & 12 Arts on the Shore, Worthington, MN
July 9 - 11 Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Brookings, SD
August 28 Art Rocks, Luverne, MN


There are a few we are waiting to hear from, but we will update as they come in.

Holiday Show/Sale

Up in Smoke Pottery just returned from Worthington, MN dropping off a few pieces for their annual Holiday Show/Sale at the Nobles County Art Center. The show opening is Sunday December 6th from 1-4 in the afternoon. (weather dependent) If you are in the area, be sure to check it out.

Made in South Dakota

Up in Smoke Pottery is now available online through Made in South Dakota. It is part of the State's Tourism department. The site itself has lots of interesting and unique South Dakota made products. Here is the link to my store, I do offer free shipping at this time.

www.upinsmokepottery.madeinsouthdakota.com

I also am putting a link in the links category.

Sidewalk Arts

Thanks for a great Sidewalk Arts. It was great to meet and chat with you. That concludes our festival schedule for this year. We now will decide where we will be next year, keep checking the blog for updates. We have a couple gallery things in the works, dates and details will be released as they are finalized.

Sidewalk Arts

The weatherman cannot make up his mind on what is going to be like so I guess I will bring my Weather Rock. Hope to see everyone this weekend in downtown Sioux Falls for Sidewalk Arts. Up in Smoke Pottery will be in booth 71, which will be just outside the east Pavilion doors unless that changes before we set up. Here's a couple pics of some of the recent work that we will have down there.